Increasing Plant Yield with Bacterial/Fungal Combinations

ABSTRACT

A seed treated with a fungal/bacterial antagonist combination and a seed assembly comprising a seed and a fungal/bacterial antagonist combination. The fungal/bacterial antagonist combination comprises a  Trichoderma virens  fungal antagonist and a  Bacillus amyloliquefaciens  bacterial antagonist for controlling plant pathogens as a biocontrol agent, bio-pesticide or bio-fungicide. In preferred embodiments, the invention produces an increase in plant yield. Control of early and late season stalk and root rot caused by fungi such as  Fusarium, Phythium, Phytophthora  and  Penicillium  in tomatoes, peppers, turf grass, soybeans, sunflower, wheat and corn is achieved.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/940,036, filed Sep. 13, 2004, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/067,185, filed Feb. 1, 2002, now U.S.Pat. No. 6,808,917, which claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/265,998, filed Feb. 2, 2001; the disclosures of whichapplications and patent are incorporated by reference as if fully setforth herein. The application also incorporates by reference thedisclosure of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2005-0096225 A1as if fully set forth herein.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

The U.S. Government has a paid-up license in this invention and theright in limited circumstances to require the patent owner to licenseothers on reasonable terms as provided for by the terms of Grant No.DMI-9901629 awarded by the National Science Foundation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a seed treated with a fungal/bacterialantagonist combination. In particular, the invention relates to a seedassembly comprising a fungal/bacterial antagonist combination forcontrolling plant pathogens.

Early and late season stalk and root rot are major causes of crop loss.A variety of plants are affected, including tomatoes, peppers, turfgrass, soybeans, sunflower, wheat and corn. The pathogens that causethese symptoms include fungi of the genera Fusarium, Phythium,Phytophthora and Penicillium.

One approach to solving the problem of early season damping off ofplants is treatment of seeds with fungicides, such as captan, metalaxyland Maxim. Although these chemicals enhance seed germination andseedling stand by inhibiting the pathogenic ability of Phythium spp.(active in cool, wet soils), they have no activity against thepathogenic fungi that are responsible for late season root and stalkrot.

Fusarium and Penicillium are the pathogens responsible for late seasonroot and stalk rot. These pathogens prefer the warm, dry conditions thatoccur late in the growing season. There is no chemical or biologicalfungicide available that addresses the problem of late season root andstalk rot in corn. Currently, the only way to deal with this problem isto periodically rotate to a non-susceptible crop to reduce pathogennumbers. Corn growers can also select hybrids that have better“standability,” but such hybrids usually have lower yields.Unfortunately, the corn varieties with the highest yields are usuallythose most susceptible to late season root and stalk rot.

Trichoderma is a genus of fungi that contains about 20 species. Synonymsfor the genus name include Aleurisma and Sporoderma. Trichoderma virens,which is also called Gliocladium virens, is a member of the genus. Thenatural habitats of these fungi include soil and plant material. Amember of the genus, Trichoderma harzianum KRL-AG2 (ATCC 20847) alsoknown as strain T-22, is used as a biocontrol agent that is applied as aseed or soil treatment or on cuttings and transplants. Strains of thespecies, Trichoderma virens, have also been used for control of dampingoff diseases in plants. For example, Trichoderma (Gliocladium) virensG1-21 is known and commercially available at a reasonable price, and isbeing marketed under the trademark SoilGuard® 12G (EPA RegistrationNumber: 70051-3 and EPA Establishment Number: 067250-IL-001). It ismanufactured by Thermo Trilogy Corporation of Columbia, Md. Other knownand commercially available Trichoderma virens strains include thosehaving the following ATCC accession numbers: 10043, 10044, 10045, 13213,13362, 204067, 204443, 204444, 204445, 20903, 20904, 20906, 24290,42955, 44327, 44734, 48179, 52045, 52199, 58676, 58677, 58678, 62399,64271, 74180, 9645, MYA-297, MYA-298, MYA-649 and MYA-650.

Bacillus is a genus of rod-shaped, gram-positive, aerobic or (under someconditions) anaerobic bacteria. Bacillus species are widely found insoil and water and some have been used to control plant diseases,including root rot. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens is a spore-forming memberof the genus. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens L.L. Campbell strain F (ATCC23350) is the type strain for the species. Other known and commerciallyavailable Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strains include those having thefollowing ATCC accession numbers: 23842, 23843, 23844, 23845, 31592,49763, 53495 and BAA-390 (Int. J. Sys. Bacteriol. 37:69-71, 1987; J.Bacteriol. 94:1124-1130, 1967).

In the past, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens was also called Bacillussubtilis var. amyloliquefaciens by some investigators. A proteaseproduced from Bacillus subtilis var. amyloliquefaciens is commonly usedas a tenderized for raw meat products. According to the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Bacillus subtilis var.amyloliquefaciens strain FZB24 is a naturally-occurring microorganismand widespread in the environment. Bacillus subtilis var.amyloliquefaciens FZB24 (EPA Registration Number: 72098-5 and EPAEstablishment Number: 73386-DEU-001) is known and commercially availableat a reasonable price, being marketed under the trademark Taegro® byEarth Bioscience, Inc. of Fairfield, Conn.

Background art biocontrol products have comprised the bacteriumBurkholderia cepacia, which is also known as Pseudomonas cepacia. Thisbacterium has been implicated as a human pathogen. Furthermore, it haslittle or no shelf life unless refrigerated at 4 degrees Centigrade at aminimum of 20 percent moisture.

The background art is characterized by U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,476,881;4,489,161; 4,642,131; 4,668,512; 4,678,669; 4,713,342; 4,724,147;4,748,021; 4,818,530; 4,828,600; 4,877,738; 4,915,944; 4,952,229;5,047,239; 5,049,379; 5,071,462; 5,068,105; 5,084,272; 5,194,258;5,238,690; 5,260,213; 5,266,316; 5,273,749; 5,300,127; 5,344,647;5,401,655; 5,422,107; 5,455,028; 5,409,509; 5,552,138; 5,589,381;5,614,188; 5,628,144; 5,632,987; 5,645,831; 5,665,354; 5,667,779;5,695,982; 5,702,701; 5,753,222; 5,852,054; 5,869,042; 5,882,641;5,882,915; 5,906,818; 5,916,029; 5,919,447; 5,922,603; 5,972,689;5,974,734; 5,994,117; 5,998,196; 6,015,553; 6,017,525; 6,030,610;6,033,659; 6,060,051; and 6,103,228.

No single reference and no combination of the references teach theinvention disclosed herein. The background art does not teachcombinations of microorganisms disclosed herein, combinations thatprovide a surprising consistency of performance in plant diseasecontrol.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A purpose of the invention is to control the plant pathogens that causeearly and late season root and stalk rot. Another purpose is to providefor season-long protection for plants from the pathogens that causeearly and late season root and stalk rot. Another purpose is to provideconsistent disease control for plants. Yet another purpose is toincrease the yield of plants and plant seed production.

One advantage of the invention is that root and stalk rot can becontrolled with a composition that is not toxic to humans. Anotheradvantage of the invention is that root and stalk rot can be controlledmore economically than with chemical fungicides. Yet another advantageof the invention is that it provides a biocontrol agent or bio-pesticidewith extended shelf life. Thus, a seed can be treated with thebiocontrol agent and stored for a period of months and still host aviable biocontrol agent that will colonize the root when the seed isplaced in the ground, germinates and grows. Furthermore, the disclosedbiocontrol agent is competitive with natural soil microbes that occur inthe rhizosphere while providing pathogen protection for the plant. Afurther advantage of the invention is that the combination of afungal/bacterial antagonist is more effective in controlling fungalpathogens in the plant rhizosphere than either a fungal antagonist or abacterial antagonist alone. Thus, the invention provides an easy-to-use,effective means of controlling plant pathogens that have been only beencontrollable by rotation management. A further advantage of theinvention is that its use produces more consistent results than the useof either a fungal antagonist or a bacterial antagonist alone, as shownby the Working Examples presented herein. In fact, use of the antagonistcombinations disclosed herein is shown to be functional when use of itsindividual constituent antagonists is not.

The compositions disclosed herein may be integrated into Integrated PestManagement (IPM) programs, the inventive compositions may be used incombination with other management systems. As an alternative tosynthetic agents, biocontrol agents (bio-pesticides) offer the advantageof containing naturally derived constituents that are safe to bothhumans and the environment. Specifically, bio-pesticides offer suchadvantages as being inherently less toxic than conventional pesticides,generally affecting only the target pest and closely related organisms,and are often effective in very small quantities. For these reasons,bio-pesticides often decompose quickly and, therefore, are ideal for useas a component of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs.

The applicant has shown through a variety of laboratory and field trialsthat Bacillus subtilis var. amyloliquefaciens TJ 1000 and Trichodermavirens G1-3 are compatible with one another and that they actsynergistically to consistently produce increased yield in plants. Theseresults were presented in the parent application referenced above.

Field trials were conducted as part of the applicant's continuingresearch effort that tested other known Bacillus subtilis var.amyloliquefaciens (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) strains and other knownTrichoderma virens isolates. The purpose of testing was to determinewhether the surprising synergism between a Bacillus subtilis var.amyloliquefaciens bacterium and a Trichoderma virens fungus disclosed inthe parent application would be present between other strains andisolates of the same genus and species.

This testing by the applicant did result in the discovery of asynergistic activity between other isolates and strains of Trichodermavirens and Bacillus subtilis var. amyloliquefaciens. These results arepresented in the final three working examples at the end of thisdocument. The results show that other isolates of Trichoderma virens andother strains of Bacillus subtilis var. amyloliquefaciens do havesynergistic properties. The applicant's research has also confirmed thatthe combination of T. virens G1-3 and Bacillus subtilis var.amyloliquefaciens TJ 1000 is superior to combinations comprising anyother tested strains, but that synergies among other combinations doexist. These synergies have led the applicant to the conclusion that hispatent rights should include combinations of all Trichoderma virensisolates and all Bacillus subtilis var. amyloliquefaciens strains.

The invention is an inoculum, a seed coated with the inoculum, a plantprotected with the inoculum, a method of producing the inoculum and amethod of protecting a seed or a plant with the inoculum. A furtherembodiment of the inoculum comprises a combination of a fungus and abacterium. Preferably, the fungus is a species of Trichoderma and thebacterium is a species of Bacillus, preferably a spore-forming strain ofBacillus. More preferably, the fungus is Trichoderma virens and thebacterium is Bacillus subtilis var. amyloliquefaciens, although othercombinations are also envisioned. Even more preferably, the fungus isTrichoderma virens G1-3 (ATCC 58678) or Trichoderma virens G1-21 (anisolate that is commercially available from Thermo Trilogy Corporation)and the bacterium is Bacillus subtilis var. amyloliquefaciens TJ1000 or1BE (ATCC BAA-390) or Bacillus subtilis var. amyloliquefaciens FZB24 (astrain that is commercially available from Earth Biosciences, Inc.).

Further embodiments of the invention comprise combining of a Trichodermavirens fungus and a Bacillus amyloliquefaciens bacterium and placingthis combination on a seed or in the vicinity of the seed or seedling. Aperson having ordinary skill in the art would understand that the namesTrichoderma virens and Gliocladium virens are synonymous. The ATCClisting of this organism under ATCC Accession No. 58678 confirms itsprior classification as Gliocladium virens.

In a further embodiment, the inoculum is produced by adding anessentially pure culture, a substantially pure culture, an axenicculture or a biologically pure culture of Trichoderma virens to abioreactor containing molasses-yeast extract growth medium using astandard inoculation technique. The medium is agitated and aerated andits temperature is maintained at about 28 degrees Centigrade. After theTrichoderma virens is grown in the medium for about eight hours, anessentially pure culture, a substantially pure culture, an axenicculture or a biologically pure culture of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens isadded to the medium using a standard inoculation technique. Thecombined, competitive culture is grown under the aforementionedconditions and produces maximum cell and spore counts in approximatelyseven days. The combined culture is then used as an inoculum and isapplied each seed at a rate of no less than about 1,000 spore counts perseed.

In a further embodiment, a solution containing an essentially pureculture, a substantially pure culture, an axenic culture or abiologically pure culture of the fungal antagonist Trichoderma virens iscombined with a solution containing an essentially pure culture, asubstantially pure culture, an axenic culture or a biologically pureculture of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens in a 50/50 mixture by volume andis applied to a seed at a rate of no less than about 10,000 spore countsper seed.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention is an agricultural inoculumsuitable for inoculating plant seeds comprising a Trichoderma virensfungal antagonist selected from the group consisting of isolate ATCC58678, isolate G1-21 and mutants thereof; a Bacillus subtilis var.amyloliquefaciens bacterial antagonist selected from the groupconsisting of strain ATCC BAA-390, strain FZB24 and mutants thereof, anda suitable carrier that is non-phytotoxic, non-bacteriostatic, andnon-bactericidal. Suitable carriers include wettable clay based powders,dextrose granules or powders, sucrose granules or powders andmaltose-dextrose granules or powders.

A further embodiment of the invention is a composition of mattercomprising a plant seed inoculated with a combination comprising aTrichoderma virens antagonist selected from the group consisting ofisolate ATCC 58678, isolate G1-21 and mutants thereof and a Bacillusamyloliquefaciens antagonist selected from the group consisting ofstrain ATCC BAA-390, strain FZB24 and mutants thereof, wherein saidcombination suppresses growth of plant pathogenic fungi.

Yet a further embodiment of the invention is a seed or plant inoculatedwith a combination selected from the group consisting of: a Trichodermavirens antagonist selected from the group consisting of isolate G1-21and mutants thereof and a Bacillus amyloliquefaciens antagonist selectedfrom the group consisting of strain FZB24 and mutants thereof; aTrichoderma virens antagonist selected from the group consisting ofisolate ATCC 58678 and mutants thereof and a Bacillus amyloliquefaciensantagonist selected from the group consisting of strain FZB24 andmutants thereof; and a Trichoderma virens antagonist selected from thegroup consisting of isolate ATCC 58678 and mutants thereof and aBacillus amyloliquefaciens antagonist selected from the group consistingof strain FZB24 and mutants thereof, wherein the combination suppressesgrowth of plant pathogenic fungi.

In another preferred embodiment, the invention is a method of protectinga plant from disease caused by a plant pathogenic fungus comprisinginoculating seeds from said plant with a combination comprising aTrichoderma virens fungal antagonist selected from the group consistingof isolate ATCC 58678, isolate G1-21 and mutants thereof and a Bacillusamyloliquefaciens bacterial antagonist selected from the groupconsisting of strain ATCC BAA-390, strain FZB24 and mutants thereof,wherein said combination suppresses growth of plant pathogenic fungi.

A further embodiment of the invention is a method of protecting a seedor a plant from disease caused by a plant pathogenic fungus comprisinginoculating seeds from said plant with a composition comprising aTrichoderma virens fungal antagonist and a Bacillus amyloliquefaciensbacterial antagonist. Preferably, the fungal antagonist is selected fromthe group consisting of isolate ATCC 58678, isolate G1-21 and mutantsthereof and the bacterial antagonist is selected from the groupconsisting of strain ATCC BAA-390, strain FZB24 and mutants thereof.

A further embodiment of the invention is a method of protecting a seedor a plant from disease caused by a plant pathogenic fungus comprisinginoculating seeds from said plant with a composition comprising a fungalantagonist and a bacterial antagonist, wherein said combinationsuppresses growth of plant pathogenic fungi. A further embodiment iscapable of control of the plant pathogen fungi Fusarium, Phythium,Phytophthora and Penicillium.

A further embodiment of the invention is a method of protecting a plantfrom disease caused by a plant pathogenic fungus comprising inoculatingseeds from said plant with a composition selected from the group: acomposition comprising a Trichoderma virens fungal antagonist selectedfrom the group consisting of isolate ATCC 58678 and mutants thereof anda Bacillus amyloliquefaciens bacterial antagonist selected from thegroup consisting of strain ATCC BAA-390 and mutants thereof, and acomposition comprising a Trichoderma virens fungal antagonist selectedfrom the group consisting of isolate G1-21 and mutants thereof and aBacillus amyloliquefaciens bacterial antagonist selected from the groupconsisting of strain FZB24 and mutants thereof, wherein said combinationsuppresses growth of plant pathogenic fungi.

Yet a further embodiment of the invention is a method for biologicallycontrolling or inhibiting stalk rot or root rot comprising coating seedswith an effective amount of a composition comprising a Trichodermavirens isolate G1-21 and mutants thereof and a Bacillusamyloliquefaciens strain FZB24.

A further embodiment of the invention is process for making acomposition comprising introducing an essentially pure culture ofBacillus amyloliquefaciens (strain FZB24) to a growth medium about eighthours after an essentially pure culture of Trichoderma virens (isolateG1-21) is introduced to the growth medium and growing the culture as acompetitive culture.

A further embodiment of the invention is a process comprising making acomposition by combining an essentially pure culture of Trichodermavirens G1-3 (isolate G1-21) with an essentially pure culture of Bacillusamyloliquefaciens (strain FZB24) in a 50:50 mixture and applying saidcomposition to a seed at a rate of at least 100,000 spores per seed.

In one embodiment of the invention disclosed herein, the spore countapplied per seed ranges from about 1,000 to about 1,000,000, regardlessof seed size. In another embodiment of the invention, the spore countper seed is from about 1,000 to about 10,000. In a further embodiment ofthe invention, the spore count per seed is from about 10,000 to about100,000. In a yet further embodiment of the invention, the spore countper seed is from about 100,000 to about 1,000,000. In a yet anotherembodiment of the invention, the spore count per seed is from about1,000,000 to about 2,000,000.

A further embodiment of the invention is a method for protecting plantsin a growing medium from damping off and root rot fungal plant diseasecomprising placing in the growing medium in the immediate vicinity ofthe plant to be protected an effective quantity of one of thefungal/bacterial combinations disclosed herein.

Yet a further embodiment of the invention is a method for protectingplants from fungal plant disease comprising adding one of thefungal/bacterial combinations disclosed herein in an effective quantityto a substrate such as pelletized calcium sulfate or pelletized lime andplacing the pellet in the immediate vicinity of the plant to beprotected. The pellet may or may not contain other nutrients.

A further embodiment of the invention is a method for protecting plantsfrom fungal plant disease comprising adding one of the fungal/bacterialcombinations disclosed herein in an effective quantity to a liquidsolution such as water and applying the liquid solution in the immediatevicinity of the plant to be protected. The liquid may or may not containadditional nutrients and may include a chemical fungicide applied to theseed such as, for example, Maxim or captan. The disclosed combinationmay also be added to a plant nutrient (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium(NPK)) plus plant micro-nutrient solution that is compatible with thecombination and applied as an in-furrow treatment.

A further embodiment of the invention is a method for biologicallycontrolling a plant disease caused by a plant-colonizing fungus, themethod comprising inoculating a seed of the plant with an effectiveamount of a microbial inoculant comprising a combination ofmicroorganisms having all of the identifying characteristics ofTrichoderma virens and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, said inoculationresulting in the control of said plant disease. The invention is also amethod according to the above further embodiment wherein saidinoculation results in the control of more than one plant disease.

Yet a further embodiment of the invention involves combining aTrichoderma virens fungal antagonist and a Bacillus amyloliquefaciensbacterial antagonist to enhance ease of use and longevity of shelf lifeboth as a stored product and when applied to a seed. In a furtherembodiment, the invention involves applying the disclosed Trichodermamicroorganism and the Bacillus microorganism to a wettable powder, inwhich form it is applied.

A further embodiment of the invention is composition of matter made bycombining: a composition made by combing a plurality of antagonistsselected from the group consisting of a Trichoderma virens antagonistselected from the group consisting of isolate G1-21 and mutants thereofand a Bacillus amyloliquefaciens antagonist selected from the groupconsisting of strain FZB24 and mutants thereof; a Trichoderma virensantagonist selected from the group consisting of isolate ATCC 58678 andmutants thereof and a Bacillus amyloliquefaciens antagonist selectedfrom the group consisting of strain FZB24 and mutants thereof; and aTrichoderma virens antagonist selected from the group consisting ofisolate ATCC 58678 and mutants thereof and a Bacillus amyloliquefaciensantagonist selected from the group consisting of strain FZB24 andmutants thereof; and a suitable carrier that is non-phytotoxic,non-bacteriostatic, and non-bactericidal.

A further embodiment of the invention is an antagonist for controllingplant pathogens made by combining effective amounts of: a fungalantagonist selected from the group of Trichoderma virens isolate(isolate G1-21) and mutants thereof; a bacterial antagonist selectedfrom the group of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (strain FZB24) and mutantsthereof; and a suitable carrier that is non-phytotoxic,non-bacteriostatic, and non-bactericidal. Preferably, the antagonistmade by further combining with the antagonist an effective amount ofanother bacterial strain.

Yet a further embodiment of the invention is a seed assembly made bycombining a plant seed with effective amounts of a Trichoderma virensfungal antagonist and a Bacillus subtilis var. amyloliquefaciensbacterial antagonist. In a further embodiment, the seed is a seed of aplant selected from the group of a monocot, and a dicot. In a furtherembodiment, the seed is a seed of a plant selected from the group of alegume plant, and a non-legume plant. In a further embodiment, the seedis a seed of a plant selected from the group of corn, sunflower,soybean, field pea, and wheat.

A further embodiment of the invention is method for culturing a plantcomprising: applying an antagonist disclosed herein to a seed or to theseedbed of the plant; planting the seed in the seedbed; growing theplant to yield a crop; and harvesting the crop; wherein said applyingstep increases the yield of the crop. In a further embodiment, theantagonist is applied to the seed or to the seedbed of a plant selectedfrom the group of a monocot, and a dicot. In a further embodiment, theantagonist is applied to the seed or to the seedbed of a plant selectedfrom the group of a legume plant, and a non-legume plant. In a furtherembodiment, the antagonist is applied to the seed or to the seedbed of aplant selected from the group of corn, sunflower, soybean, field pea,and wheat.

Plant species that may be treated with the disclosed invention includecommercial crops species, e.g., barley, oat, millet, alfalfa. Thedisclosed invention may also be used to treat leguminous plants (e.g.,soybeans, alfalfa, and peas) and non-leguminous plants (e.g., corn,wheat, and cotton). The disclosed invention may also be used to treatangiosperms and cereals.

Yet a further embodiment is a process comprising: making a compositionby combining an essentially pure culture of Trichoderma virens (isolateG1-21) with an essentially pure culture of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens(strain FZB24) in a mixture; and applying said composition to a seed;wherein said mixture ranges in composition from 10 to 90 percentTrichoderma virens (isolate G1-21) by volume and from 90 to 10 percentBacillus amyloliquefaciens (strain FZB24) by volume.

Yet a further embodiment of the invention is a process comprising:making a composition by combining an essentially pure culture ofTrichoderma virens (isolate G1-21) with a plurality of essentially purecultures of bacteria in a mixture; and applying said composition to aseed; wherein said mixture ranges in composition from 10 to 90 percentTrichoderma virens (isolate G1-21) by culture volume.

In one embodiment of the invention the mixture ranges in compositionfrom 10 to 90 percent Trichoderma virens by volume and from 90 to 10percent Bacillus amyloliquefaciens by volume. In another embodiment ofthe invention, the mixture comprises about 20 percent Trichoderma virensby volume 80 percent Bacillus amyloliquefaciens by volume. In a furtherembodiment of the invention, the mixture comprises about 30 percentTrichoderma virens by volume 70 percent Bacillus amyloliquefaciens byvolume. In a yet further embodiment of the invention, the mixturecomprises about 40 percent Trichoderma virens by volume 60 percentBacillus amyloliquefaciens by volume.

A further embodiment of the invention is an antagonist for controllingplant pathogens made by combining effective amounts of: a fungalantagonist selected from the group of an isolate of Trichoderma virensand mutants thereof; a bacterial antagonist selected from the group astrain of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and mutants thereof; and a suitablecarrier that is non-phytotoxic, non-bacteriostatic, andnon-bactericidal. Preferably, the isolate is Trichoderma virens (isolateG1-21), which is presently EPA registered.

In a further embodiment, the invention is an antagonist for controllingplant pathogens made by combining effective amounts of: a fungalantagonist selected from the group of Trichoderma virens (isolate G1-21)and mutants thereof; a plurality of bacterial antagonists; and asuitable carrier that is non-phytotoxic, non-bacteriostatic, andnon-bactericidal. Preferably, the plurality of bacterial antagonistscomprises a strain of Bacillus lentimorbus.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention is a method comprising:combining a spore-forming fungal strain and a spore-forming bacterialstrain to produce a product comprising a composition of matter disclosedherein; and applying the product to a plant or to a part of the plant;whereby application of the product produces yield enhancement in theplant.

In another preferred embodiment, the invention is a method comprising:applying a Trichoderma spp. microorganism and a Bacillus spp.microorganism to a wettable powder to produce a combination comprisingan antagonist disclosed herein; and applying the combination to a seed;whereby application of the combination produces a positive yieldresponse in a plant growing from the seed.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the invention is a processcomprising: making a composition of matter disclosed herein; andapplying said composition of matter to a seed; wherein said compositionof matter ranges in composition from 1 to 99 percent Trichoderma virensby culture volume and from 99 to 1 percent Bacillus amyloliquefaciens byculture volume.

In another preferred embodiment, the invention is a composition ofmatter comprising: a plant seed inoculated with an agricultural inoculumdisclosed herein; wherein said combination increases the yield of theplant. In another preferred embodiment, the invention is a method forincreasing the yield of a plant, the method comprising: coating a seedof the plant with an effective amount of an agricultural inoculumdisclosed herein; and culturing the plant.

In another preferred embodiment, the invention is a composition made bycombining effective amounts of: a spore-forming fungal antagonist; and aspore-forming bacterial antagonist; wherein the spore-forming fungalantagonist does not produce a substance that substantially inhibits thegrowth of the spore-forming bacterial antagonist and the spore-formingbacterial antagonist does not produce a substance that substantiallyinhibits the growth of the spore-forming fungal antagonist; and whereinthe composition is effective at increasing the yield of a plant grownfrom a seed to which the composition has been applied. Preferably, thecomposition is effective at increasing the manganese content of theplant

The compositions of the present invention can be used for controllingfungal infestations by applying an effective amount of the compositionor a formulation thereof, either at one point in time or throughout theplant/crop cycle via multiple applications. The formulation may beapplied to the locus to be protected for example by spraying, atomizing,vaporizing, scattering, dusting, coating, watering, squirting,sprinkling, pouring, fumigating, and the like. The dosage of thebioagent(s) applied may be dependant upon factors such as the type offungal pest, the carrier used, the method of application (e.g., seed,plant application or soil delivery) and climate conditions forapplication (e.g., indoors, arid, humid, windy, cold, hot, controlled),or the type of formulation (e.g., aerosol, liquid, or solid).

Biocontrol agents comprising the disclosed compositions may be appliedin agricultural, horticultural and seedling nursery environments. Thisgenerally includes application of agents to soil, seeds, whole plants,or plant parts (including, but not limited to, roots, tubers, stems,flowers and leaves). Bio-pesticide or microbial combinations may be usedalone, however, they may additionally be formulated into conventionalproducts such as dust, granule, microgranule, pellet, wettable powder,flowable powder, emulsion, microcapsule, oil, or aerosol. To improve orstabilize the effects of the bio-pesticide, the agent may be blendedwith suitable adjuvants and then used as such or after dilution ifnecessary.

A worker skilled in the art would recognize that the bioagent(s) may beformulated for seed treatment either as a pre-treatment for storage orsowing. The seed may form part of a pelleted composition or,alternatively, may be soaked, sprayed, dusted or fumigated with theinventive compositions. Additionally, the inventive compositions may beapplied to the soil or turf, a plant, crop, or a plantation. Some areasmay additionally require that the invention provide for slow-releasematerials such that the agent is designed to have an extended releaseperiod.

In use, the invention disclosed herein may comprise the application ofan aqueous or a non-aqueous spray composition to the crop. For example,the inventive composition may be applied to the soil, or to a plant part(e.g., stalk, root or leaf), or both, as an aqueous spray containingspray adjuvants such as surfactants and emulsified agricultural cropoils which insure that the agent is deposited as a droplet which wetsthe stalk or leaf and is retained on the plant so that agent can beabsorbed.

The skilled artisan would realize that the inventive compositions may beapplied in combination with nutrients (fertilizers) or herbicides orboth, or may form part of a formulation comprising the inventivecomposition in combination with a fertilizer or herbicide or both. Sucha formulation may be manufactured in the form of a liquid, a coating, apellet or in any format known in the art.

The skilled artisan would realize that the inventive compositions may beapplied to seeds as part of stratification, desiccation, hormonaltreatment, or a mechanical process to encourage germination or toterminate dormancy. Treatments including the inventive agents incombination with hormones, PEG, or varying temperature, or incombination with mechanical manipulation of the seed (i.e. piercing),are contemplated.

Further aspects of the invention will become apparent from considerationof the drawings and the ensuing description of further embodiments ofthe invention. A person skilled in the art will realize that otherembodiments of the invention are possible and that the details of theinvention can be modified in a number of respects, all without departingfrom the inventive concept. Thus, the following drawings and descriptionare to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features of the invention will be better understood by reference tothe accompanying drawings which illustrate presently further embodimentsof the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a plot that compares the incidence of stalk rot in TJ1300-treated plots versus the incidence of stalk rot in control plots.

FIG. 2 is a plot that compares final plant populations in TJ1300-treatedplots versus final plant populations in control plots.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A preferred embodiment of the invention comprises the fungus Trichodermavirens isolate G1-3 (ATCC 58678) or other isolates. These microorganismsmay be obtained from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), 12301Parklawn Drive, Rockville, Md., 20852-1776 and other culture collectionsor isolated from nature.

Another preferred embodiment of the invention comprises Trichoderma(Gliocladium) virens isolate G1-21 which is being marketed under thetrademark SoilGuard® 12G by Thermo Trilogy Corporation, 9145 GuilfordRoad, Suite 175, Columbia, Md. 21046.

A further embodiment of the invention also comprises the bacteriumBacillus lentimorbus TJ 1000, which is renamed herein Bacillusamyloliquefaciens TJ1000 or 1BE, based on a more accurate determinationof the name of Bacillus species that occurred before the parent patentapplication was filed. This microorganism was deposited with the ATTC onOct. 31, 2001, and was assigned accession number ATCC BAA-390.Alternative embodiments of the invention comprise other strains whichcan be isolated from nature or obtained from ATCC or other culturecollections.

Another preferred embodiment of the invention is comprised of Bacillussubtilis var. amyloliquefaciens strain FZB24 which is being marketedunder the trademark Taegro® by Earth Bioscience, Inc., 26 Sherman Court,PO Box 764, Fairfield, Conn. 06430.

A further embodiment of the invention involves combining an essentiallypure culture of Trichoderma virens and an essentially pure culture ofBacillus amyloliquefaciens in a competitive culture process. Thecompetitive culture process involves adding the Bacillusamyloliquefaciens to a growth medium about eight hours after theTrichoderma virens was added to the medium. The combined culture is thenapplied to a seed, for example, a corn seed. The combination grown in acompetitive culture provides protection for seeds and plants and isespecially effective in a high-stress, high-fungal pathogen environmentduring the early stages of plant development.

A further embodiment of the invention involves growing an essentiallypure culture of Trichoderma virens and an essentially pure culture ofBacillus amyloliquefaciens TJ1000 separately for five days. After thecultures are grown separately, the compositions that contain them arecombined in a 50/50 combination by volume and then the combination isapplied to a seed, for example, a corn seed. The combined cultures areapplied to a seed provides protection for seeds and plants from fungalpathogens. This combination is especially effective under conditionsthat are less stressful to the plant.

A further step in the process involves applying either of the abovecombinations to a seed involves adding an aqueous solution comprising 30grams/liter of molasses to the solution containing the combination toproduce an appropriate spore count in the resulting composition. Theresulting composition is then applied to the seed as a liquid mist toachieve optimum application rates per seed using the molasses as anadhesive to adhere the spores to the seed.

In a further embodiment, the bioreactor used to culture themicroorganism cultures is a New Brunswick Bioflow III bioreactor. Foroptimal results, the agitation setting of the bioreactor is set at about350 rpm, the aeration setting of the bioreactor is set at about 3.0 withan aeration air pressure of about 15 pounds per square inch and thetemperature setting is set at about 28 degrees Centigrade. The furthergrowth medium for each of the individual cultures and the combinedcompetitive culture comprises about 30 grams per liter of molasses andabout 5 grams per liter of yeast extract and is referred to as a MYEmedium. In A further embodiment, the medium contains about 5 millilitersof antifoam. In a further embodiment, spore production is measured bycounting spores using a hemacytometer manufactured by HausserScientific.

A variety of seed treatments or no seed treatment may be practicedbefore the seed is inoculated with the disclosed inoculum. In somefurther embodiments, seed treatments include osmotic priming andpre-germination of the seed. Because Trichoderma virens and Bacillusamyloliquefaciens are spore formers, the disclosed inoculum does notrequire high moisture levels for survival and, therefore, can be appliedto seed and other materials without a sticker, such as those sold underthe trade names Pelgel (LipaTech), Keltrol (Xanthan) Cellprill or Bond.

In a further embodiment, the invention involves combining of a sporeforming fungal strain and a spore forming bacterial strain to enhanceease of use and longevity of shelf life both as a stored product andwhen applied to a seed. In A further embodiment, the invention involvesapplying the disclosed Trichoderma microorganism and the disclosedBacillus microorganism to a wettable powder, and marketing the wettablepowder.

First Greenhouse Working Example

Greenhouse testing was conducted to determine the effectiveness of thedisclosed biocontrol agents. Treated and untreated corn seeds were grownin soil infested with seven percent Fusarium infested wheat seed. Inthis testing, the following treatment codes were used:

-   -   CONTROL—Nothing on the seed    -   TJ 1000—Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TJ1000 or 1BE    -   TJ 0300—Trichoderma virens G1-3    -   TJ 1300-50/50 combination of Trichoderma virens G1-3 and        Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TJ1000 or 1BE    -   TJ 1310—competitive culture of Trichoderma virens G1-3 and        Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TJ1000 or 1BE, resulting in a 70/30        ratio of Trichoderma to Bacillus

The results of greenhouse testing are presented in Table 0. The ratingscale used was 9=worst plant protection and 1=best plant protection.Seed treated with biocontrol organisms grown in competitive cultureshowed an increase in plant protection over seed treatments with thesame biological control organisms grown in non-competitive culture. Thebiocontrol agents were applied to the seed without a sticker.

TABLE 0 Greenhouse Testing Results Treatment Replication 1 Replication 2Replication 3 Average Control 9 7 6 7.3 TJ 0300 6 5 5 5.3 TJ 1000 7 6 56 TJ 1300 6 5 6 5.6 TJ 1310 1 3 3 2.3

Field Trials Working Example

In a subsequent experiment, field trials were conducted at sevenlocations throughout the U.S. Site locations included Arizona, Colorado,Kansas, Montana, North Dakota and two South Dakota locations. At eachlocation, the trial contained a CONTROL that was treated with theindustry-standard chemical treatment, MAXIM. All cultures used in thetrial were grown in MYE broth for five days. Bacillus amyloliquefaciensTJ1000 or 1BE was cultured individually (non-competitive) and withTrichoderma virens G1-3 (competitive culture). Trichoderma virens G1-3and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TJ1000 or 1BE were also grown innon-competitive culture were also applied to the same seed to test theeffectiveness of non-competitive culture versus competitive culture.Corn seeds were treated to give a final concentration of 1,000,000,000bacterial/fungal spores per acre. Seed treatment was done with aGustafson benchtop seed treater, Model BLT.

The plot location in Kansas was severely damaged by early dry conditionsand the plot was terminated prior to harvest. The Colorado location wasdamaged due to machine damage prior to harvest. Colorado yield data werecollected but were extremely variable and were not included in theanalyzed data set. The Colorado stalk rot data were included in the dataset.

The value of the Stalk Rot variable was determined by counting tenplants in a row, determining the number of root rot/stalk rot infectedplants and expressing that number as a percentage. As illustrated inFIG. 1, in six trials, the average infection rate in the control was55.13 percent versus 38.62 percent in the entries treated with thefungal/bacterial combination, TJ1300. The data revealed an averagereduction of disease incidence of 30 percent with the Colorado locationshowing a reduction of over 60 percent.

The value of the Final Population variable was determined by aconducting a physical count of the plants in a measured area andconverting to a per acre count. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the averageincrease in final plant population was 3,742 plants per acre or anincrease of 12.2 percent. This increased population was the result ofcontrolling the disease early and having less plant death throughout theseason.

Use of TJ1300 resulted in an average yield benefit of 5.35 bushels peracre. Average yield was determined from eight trials: 4 in South Dakota,1 in North Dakota, 2 in Arizona, and 1 in Montana.

Second Greenhouse Working Example

Greenhouse Methods: All test cultures were grown in MYE (three percentMolasses, 0.5 percent Yeast Extract) broth for five days. Bacteria weregrown up individually (non-competitive) and with T. virens G1-3(competitive culture). T. virens G1-3 was also grown in anon-competitive culture for testing. T. virens G1-3 and test bacteriagrown in non-competitive culture were also applied to the same seed totest the effectiveness of non-competitive culture versus competitiveculture. Corn seeds were treated to give a final concentration of 1×10⁹bacteria/fungal spores (may also be referred to a Colony Forming Unitsor CFU) per acre. Seed treatment was done with a Gustafson Benchtop SeedTreater, Model BLT. Seeds were grown in soil infested with seven percentFusarium-infested wheat seed. After four weeks, plant heights were takenas well as plant biomass. Plant heights were taken by measuring from thesoil line to the tallest leaf, biomass of the plants was taken bycutting the plants at the soil line and then weighing plants onanalytical scale. The treatment matrix was as follows:

-   -   Control—No pathogen added to soil.    -   Control—With pathogen added to soil.    -   TJ1000 —Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TJ1000 or 1BE    -   TJ0300 —Trichoderma virens G1-3    -   TJ2000 —Erwinia carotovora    -   TJ1300 —B. amyloliquefaciens TJ1000 or 1BE and T. virens G1-3        (non-competitive)    -   TJ2300 —E. carotovora and T. virens G1-3 (non-competitive)    -   TJ1310 —B. amyloliquefaciens TJ1000 or 1BE and T. virens G1-3        (competitive)    -   TJ 1-2310 —B. amyloliquefaciens TJ1000 or 1BE, E. carotovora        and T. virens G1-3 (competitive)    -   TJ2310 —E. carotovora and T. virens G1-3 (competitive)

Determination of CFU (Colony Forming Units) concentrations incompetitive cultures: Competitive cultures grown for five days. CFUcounts of each organism were performed using a hemacytometer (HausserScientific) under light microscopy 5000× magnification. This method wasused to determine the CFU counts in the greenhouse and field trials.

Enumeration through plate counts: Competitive cultures were grown forfive days in submerged culture then 200 milliliters (ml) of the culturewas harvested and aliquoted into four 50 ml centrifuge tubes. Aftercentrifugation at 10,000 revolutions per minute (rpm) for 10 minutesresulting pellets were washed twice in equal volumes of D₂H₂0. Pelletswere then re-suspended in 25 ml of saline. One ml samples were diluted10⁻¹ to 10⁻⁸ and plated onto potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates. Coloniesare then counted and correlated with the dilution rates to determine CFUper ml of culture broth.

Results: All of the biocontrol agents in this experiment producedsignificant plant biomass increases over the pathogen-treated controland all of the treatments were numerically greater than the controlplants in soil that contained no pathogen. The effects ofbacterial/fungal combination TJ 1310 and the bacterial treatment TJ 1000were significantly greater than both controls in the experiment.

TABLE 1 Demonstration of the Effectiveness of Biological Combinationsand Individual Bacteria and Individual Fungal Treatments on Increasingthe Biomass of Greenhouse-Grown Corn Seedlings in Pathogen-Treated Soilvs. the Untreated Control Treatment Ratio Rank Biomass (grams) ControlPath 0/0 10  3.62 a Control No Path 0/0 9  7.25 ab TJ 1300 50/50 8  8.67b TJ 2310 30/70 7  9.04 b TJ 2000 100/0  6 10.73 b TJ 1-2310 20/20/60 511.37 b TJ 2300 50/50 4 11.41 b TJ 0300  0/100 3 11.53 b TJ 1310 30/70 2 12.24 bc TJ 1000 100/0  1  12.89 bc CV % 33.9   LSD (0.05) 4.55 

Combinations Field Trial Working Example

Materials and Methods: A field trial was conducted using the cornvariety NK 3030Bt using the following biological treatments of the seedat a rate of approximately 10⁶ CFU per seed. The seed was planted at aseeding rate of 25,000 seeds per acre in 30-inch rows in a randomized,replicated block. Each entry was replicated four times. The pathogenlevels were natural populations at a location near Groton, S. Dak. Theentries were as follows:

-   -   Control: Maxim Seed treatment (Maxim is a trademark of Syngenta        Crop Protection)    -   TJ 1000 —Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TJ1000 or 1 BE    -   TJ 0300 —Trichoderma virens G1-3    -   TJ 1300—50/50 combination of B. amyloliquefaciens TJ1000 or 1BE        and T. virens G1-3    -   TJ 1310—Coculture 30/70 combination of B. amyloliquefaciens        TJ1000 or 1 BE and T virens G1-3    -   TJ 66/300—50/50 combination of Bacillus lentimorbus and T.        virens G1-3

Results: The trial produced significant yield response over the controlwith the entries TJ 0300, TJ 1300, and TJ 1310. The combinations TJ 1300and TJ 1310 produced a yield response numerically greater than that ofTJ 0300. The effects of bacterial/fungal combination TJ 66/300 and thebacterial treatment TJ 1000 were numerically greater than the controlbut not significantly greater. The results are presented in Table 2.

Conclusion: The bacterial/fungal combinations of entries TJ 1300 and TJ1310 are the most effective biocontrol treatments in the trial forincreasing the yield of corn.

TABLE 2 Effect of Biological Seed Treatment on Yield of Corn VarietyN3030 Bt under Field Conditions. Treatment Ratio Rank Location TrialYield Control Maxim 0/0 6 Groton, SD Seed Treat 164.8 a  TJ 1000 100/0 4 Groton, SD Seed Treat 175.1 ab TJ 0300  0/100 3 Groton, SD Seed Treat179.5 bc TJ 1300 50/50 2 Groton, SD Seed Treat 183.3 bc TJ 1310 30/70 1Groton, SD Seed Treat 189.8 c  TJ 66/300 50/50 5 Groton, SD Seed Treat173.2 ab CV % 13.54  LSD(0.05) 12.5 

50/50 Combination Field Trial Working Example

Materials and Methods: A field trial was conducted using the cornvariety NK 3030Bt using the following biological treatments of the seedat a rate of approximately 10⁶ CFU per seed. The seed was planted at aseeding rate of 25,000 seeds per acre in 30-inch rows in a randomizedreplicated block. Each entry was replicated four times. The pathogenlevels were natural populations at a location near Groton, S. Dak. Theentries were as follows:

-   -   Control: Maxim Seed treatment (Maxim is a trademark of Syngenta        Crop Protection)    -   TJ 1300—50/50 combination of B. amyloliquefaciens TJ1000 or 1BE        and T. virens G1-3

Results: As indicated in Table 3, the trial produced a significantresponse in the yield of the seed treated with the biocontrol agent TJ1300 (described above) as compared with the untreated control.

TABLE 3 Effect of Biological Seed Treatment on Yield of Corn Variety NK3030Bt under Field Conditions. Treatment Ratio Rep Location YieldControl 0/0 1 Groton, SD 156.8 Control 0/0 2 Groton, SD 163.3 Control0/0 3 Groton, SD 151.0 Average 0/0 Groton, SD   157.03 a 1300 50/50 1Groton, SD 184.3 1300 50/50 2 Groton, SD 179.1 1300 50/50 3 Groton, SD177.3 Average 50/50 Groton, SD   180.21 b CV %   5.65 LSD (0.05%)   9.04

Application Rate Field Trial Working Example

Materials and Methods: A field trial was conducted using the cornvariety NK2555 using the TJ 1300 (50/50 combination of B.amyloliquefaciens TJ1000 or 1BE and T. virens G1-3) biologicaltreatments of the seed at variable rates. The purpose of the trial wasto identify the most effective application rate for the bacterial/fungalcombination of TJ 1300. The 1× rate was approximately 1×10⁶ CFU perseed. The seed was planted at a seeding rate of 25,000 seeds per acre in30-inch rows in a randomized, replicated block. Each entry wasreplicated four times. The pathogen levels were natural populations at alocation near Groton, S. Dak. The entries were as follows:

-   -   Control—Maxim (Maxim is a trademark of Syngenta Crop Protection)    -   0.5× rate    -   1× rate    -   1.5× rate    -   2× rate

Results: All of the biocontrol treatments in this experiment resulted insignificant yield response over the control with the 1.5× rate producingsignificantly better results than the 2× rate. The results of thistrial, presented in Table 4, indicated that the most efficaciousapplication rate of the biocontrol agent TJ 1300 was approximately1.5×10⁶ per seed.

TABLE 4 Effect of TJ1300 Biological Seed Treatment on Yield of CornVariety N2555 at Variable Rates Treatment Ratio Rank Location TrialYield Control 0/0 5 Groton, SD Rate 140.2 a  0.5x rate 50/50 3 Groton,SD Rate 153.6 bc   1x rate 50/50 2 Groton, SD Rate 156.2 bc 1.5x rate50/50 1 Groton, SD Rate 161.1 c    2x rate 50/50 4 Groton, SD Rate152.07 b CV %  5.31 LSD (0.05%)  8.61

Liquid Biocontrol Preparations Working Example

Materials and Methods: Field trials were conducted using the cornvarieties NK 3030 and NK 3030Bt at a location in Brookings, S. Dak. andNK 3030Bt and NK2555 at a location in Groton, S. Dak. The purpose of thetrial was to compare pathogen control of liquid biocontrol preparationsto a control treated with only water. The results of the trial werequantified in yield of corn in bushels per acre. The water was appliedto the control at a 10 gallon per acre rate. Biocontrol treatments wereprepared by adding 1×10⁸ CFU per gram of a wettable powder (Mycotech,Inc.). Two and one half grams of the wettable powder was added per onegallon of water and soil applied in the seed furrow at a rate of 10gallons per acre. The seed was Maxim (Maxim is a trademark of SyngentaCrop Protection) treated and was planted at a seeding rate of 25,000seeds per acre in 30-inch rows in a randomized, replicated block. Eachentry was replicated four times. The pathogen levels were naturalpopulations at each location. The entries were as follows:

-   -   Control—Water    -   TJ 1000—Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TJ1000 or 1BE    -   TJ 0300 —Trichoderma virens G1-3    -   TJ 1300—50/50 combination of B. amyloliquefaciens TJ1000 or 1BE        and T. virens G1-3    -   TJ 1310—Coculture 30/70 combination of B. amyloliquefaciens        TJ1000 or 1BE and T. virens G1-3    -   TJ 66/300—50/50 combination of Bacillus lentimorbus and T.        virens G1-3

Results: Table 5 shows a significant yield increase to the biocontroltreatments of TJ 1000, TJ1300, and TJ 66/300. All of the biocontroltreatments showed a numerical yield increase.

Table 6 shows a significant yield increase to the biocontrol treatmentsof TJ1000, TJ0300, and TJ1300. Again, all of the biocontrol treatmentsshowed a numerical yield increase.

Table 7 shows no significance in the yield between the treatments andthe control, however, the yield of TJ0300 was numerically less than thecontrol by over 10 bushels per acre and is significantly less than theyields of the TJ1000 and TJ 1310 bacterial/fungal combination. Thistable demonstrates the strength of the disclosed bacterial/fungalcombinations over the fungal control alone.

Table 8 shows the treatments of TJ 1000 and TJ 66/300 with significantlyless yield than the control while the treatments of TJ0300, TJ1300, andTJ1310 having no significant difference. In this trial, it was thebacterial entry of TJ1000 alone that shows weakness in pathogen control.This table demonstrates the strength of disclosed bacterial/fungalcombinations over the bacterial treatment alone.

Conclusion: The bacterial/fungal combination of entries TJ 1300 and TJ1310 produce consistent pathogen control and/or yield response, whilethe bacteria entry of TJ 1000 alone and fungal entry of TJ 0300 aloneproduce inconsistent pathogen control and/or yield response.

TABLE 5 Liquid Drench Treatment on Corn Variety NK3030 at Brookings, SDLocation Treatment Variety Ratio Rank Location Trial Yield ControlNK3030 0/0 6 Brookings, SD Liquid 162.2 a TJ1000 NK3030 100/0  1Brookings, SD Liquid 179.7 b TJ0300 NK3030  0/100 5 Brookings, SD Liquid 170.7 ab TJ1300 NK3030 50/50 2 Brookings, SD Liquid 177.9 b TJ1310NK3030 30/70 4 Brookings, SD Liquid  172.8 ab TJ66/300 NK3030 50/50 3Brookings, SD Liquid 175.0 b CV %   7.38 LSD (0.20%)  12.36

TABLE 6 Liquid Drench Treatment on Corn Variety NK2555 at Groton, SDLocation Treatment Variety Ratio Rank Location Trial Yield ControlNK2555 0/0 6 Groton, SD Liquid 136.2 a  TJ1000 NK2555 100/0  1 Groton,SD Liquid 147.7 c  TJ0300 NK2555  0/100 2 Groton, SD Liquid 145.0 bc TJ1300 NK2555 50/50 3 Groton, SD Liquid 142.5 bc  TJ1310 NK2555 30/70 4Groton, SD Liquid 141.5 abc TJ66/300 NK2555 50/50 5 Groton, SD Liquid138.5 abc CV % 10.92   LSD (0.20%) 8.42 

TABLE 7 Liquid Drench Treatment on Corn Variety NK 3030Bt at Brookings,SD Location Treatment Variety Ratio Rank Location Trial Yield ControlNK3030Bt 0/0 4 Brookings, Liquid 181.5 ab SD TJ1000 NK3030Bt 100/0  2Brookings, Liquid 185.5 b  SD TJ0300 NK3030Bt  0/100 6 Brookings, Liquid171.3 a  SD TJ1300 NK3030Bt 50/50 5 Brookings, Liquid 180.7 ab SD TJ1310NK3030Bt 30/70 1 Brookings, Liquid 185.8 b  SD TJ66/300 NK3030Bt 50/50 3Brookings, Liquid 181.6 ab SD CV %  6.32  LSD (0.20%) 11.40 

TABLE 8 Liquid Drench Treatment on Corn Variety 3030Bt at Groton, SDLocation Treatment Variety Ratio Rank Location Trial Yield ControlNK3030Bt 0/0 2 Groton, SD Liquid 173.9 c TJ1000 NK3030Bt 100/0  6Groton, SD Liquid 164.1 a TJ0300 NK3030Bt  0/100 4 Groton, SD Liquid 171.3 abc TJ1300 NK3030Bt 50/50 3 Groton, SD Liquid  171.5 abc TJ1310NK3030Bt 30/70 1 Groton, SD Liquid 176.3 c TJ66/300 NK3030Bt 50/50 5Groton, SD Liquid  164.4 ab CV %  10.92 LSD (0.20%)   8.42

Compatibility with Dry Granule Micro-Nutrient Fertilizer Working Example

Materials and Methods: A field trial was conducted using the cornvariety NK 3030Bt at a location in Groton, S. Dak. The purpose of thetrial was to compare the compatibility and yield benefit of thebiocontrol preparation TJ1300 in combination with a dry granulemicro-nutrient fertilizer vs. the micro-nutrient fertilizer alone vs. acontrol with no micro-nutrient fertilizer. The micro-nutrient fertilizeris sold commercially by the applicant under the trademark TJ Micromix™.Biocontrol treatments were prepared by adding 1×10⁶ CFU per seed. Thecontrol seed was Maxim (Maxim is a trademark of Syngenta CropProtection) treated with the biocontrol treatments applied in additionto the Maxim. The seed was planted at a seeding rate of 25,000 seeds peracre in 30-inch rows in a randomized, replicated block. TJ Micromix™ wasapplied at a rate of 20 pounds per acre. Each entry was replicated fourtimes. The pathogen levels were natural populations at each location.The entries were as follows:

-   -   Control: Maxim    -   TJ Micromix    -   TJ Micromix+TJ 1300—50/50 combination of B. amyloliquefaciens        TJ1000 or 1BE and T. virens G1-3

Results: In this trial, as shown in Table 9, the Granular TJ Micromixproduced a non-significant yield increase compared to the control. Whenthe seed-applied biocontrol treatment TJ1300 was applied in combinationwith the TJ Micromix, the treatment resulted in a significant increasein yield.

Conclusion: The trial shows that TJ 1300 is compatible withmicro-nutrient applications and the combination produces a significantyield response.

TABLE 9 Effect of TJ Micromix and TJ Micromix + TJ 1300 on Corn VarietyNK 3030Bt Treatment Variety Rank Location Trial Yield Control NK3030Bt 3Groton, SD Fertilizer 157.0 a  TJ Micromix NK3030Bt 2 Groton, SDFertilizer 163.3 ab  TJ Micromix + NK3030Bt 1 Groton, SD Fertilizer175.5 b  TJ 1300 CV % 9.04 LSD (0.05%) 5.64

Compatibility with Liquid Chelate Micro-Nutrient Fertilizer WorkingExample

Materials and Methods: A field trial was conducted using the cornvariety NK 3030Bt at a location in Groton, S. Dak. The purpose of thetrial was to compare the compatibility and yield benefit of thebiocontrol preparation TJ1300 in combination with a liquid chelatemicro-nutrient fertilizer vs. the liquid chelate micro-nutrientfertilizer alone. The liquid chelate micro-nutrient fertilizer is soldcommercially under the Trademark TJ Micromix™—Cornmix. Biocontroltreatments were prepared by adding 1×10⁶ CFU per seed. The control seedwas Maxim (Maxim is a trademark of Syngenta Crop Protection) treatedwith the biocontrol treatments applied in addition to the Maxim. Theseed was planted at a seeding rate of 25,000 seeds per acre in 30-inchrows in a randomized, replicated block. TJ Micromix™—Cornmix was appliedat a rate of 1.5 quarts per acre. Each entry was replicated four times.The pathogen levels were natural populations at the location. Theentries were as follows:

-   -   Control: Maxim+Liquid Chelate TJ Micromix    -   TJ Micro+TJ1000: Liquid Chelate TJ Micromix plus TJ 1000—B.        amyloliquefaciens    -   TJ1000 or 1BE    -   TJ Micro+TJ0300: Liquid Chelate TJ Micromix plus TJ 0300—T.        virens G1-3    -   TJ Micro+TJ1300: Liquid Chelate TJ Micromix+TJ 1300—50/50        combination of B. amyloliquefaciens TJ 1000 or 1BE and T. virens        G1-3    -   TJ Micro+TJ1310: Liquid Chelate TJ Micromix+TJ 1310—Coculture        30/70 combination of B. amyloliquefaciens TJ 1000 or 1BE and T.        virens G1-3    -   TJ Micro+TJ66/300: Liquid Chelate TJ Micromix+TJ 66/300—50/50        combination of Bacillus lentimorbus and T. virens G1-3

Results: As shown in Table 10, the biocontrol treatments TJ1000, 66/300,and 1300 combined with the liquid chelate TJ Micromix resulted in asignificant increase in yield over the control of TJ Micromix alone. Theother biocontrol entries showed numerical but non-significant increasesin yield. The conclusion was that the biocontrol agents used in thisstudy are compatible with liquid chelate micro-nutrient applications.This biocontrol/liquid chelate micro-nutrient fertilizer combination isa viable means to significantly increase the yield of corn.

TABLE 10 Effect of TJ Micromix Liquid Chelate and TJ Micromix LiquidChelate + TJ 1300 on Yield of Corn Variety NK3030Bt Treatment VarietyRatio Rank Location Trial Yield Control NK3030Bt 0/0 6 Groton, SD LiquidTJ 161.0 a  Micromix TJ Micro + NK3030Bt 100/0  3 Groton, SD Liquid TJ173.0 bc TJ 1000 Micromix TJ Micro + NK3030Bt  0/100 5 Groton, SD LiquidTJ 163.0 ab TJ 0300 Micromix TJ Micro + NK3030Bt 50/50 1 Groton, SDLiquid TJ 183.7 c  TJ1300 Micromix TJ Micro + NK3030Bt 30/70 4 Groton,SD Liquid TJ 172.0 ab TJ 1310 Micromix TJ Micro + NK3030Bt 50/50 2Groton, SD Liquid TJ 173.2 bc TJ 66/300 Micromix CV % 11.2   LSD (0.05%)12.36 

Sunflower Dry Granule Micro-Nutrient Fertilizer Working Example

Materials and Methods: A field trial was conducted using the sunflowervariety Pioneer 63M80 NuSun at a location in Hazelton, N. Dak. Thepurpose of the trial was to compare the compatibility and yield benefitof the biocontrol preparation TJ1300 in combination with a dry granulemicro-nutrient fertilizer vs. the micro-nutrient fertilizer alone vs. acontrol with no micro-nutrient fertilizer. Analyzing yield of sunfloweris a function of seed yield in pounds per acre and the amount of oil inthe seed which is expressed as a percentage. The micro-nutrientfertilizer is sold commercially under the Trademark TJ Micromix′.Biocontrol treatments were prepared by adding 1×10⁶ CFU per seed. Thecontrol seed was Maxim (Maxim is a trademark of Syngenta CropProtection) treated with the biocontrol treatments applied in additionto the Maxim. The seed was planted at a seeding rate of 22,000 seeds peracre in 30-inch rows in a randomized, replicated block. TJ Micromix™ wasapplied at a rate of 20 pounds per acre. Each entry was replicated fourtimes. The pathogen levels were natural populations at the location. Theentries were as follows:

-   -   Control: Maxim    -   TJ Micromix    -   TJ 1300—50/50 combination of B. amyloliquefaciens TJ1000 or 1BE        and T. virens G1-3    -   TJ Micromix+TJ 1300—50/50 combination of B. amyloliquefaciens        TJ1000 or 1BE and T. virens G1-3

Results: As shown in Table 11, in this trial, the Granular TJ Micromixproduced a significant yield increase and a significant oil percentageincrease compared to the control. When the seed-applied biocontroltreatment TJ1300 was applied in combination with the TJ Micromix, thetreatment resulted in a significant increase in yield as compared to thecontrol but not significantly different from the TJ Micromix applicationalone. The yield of the TJ 1300+TJ Micromix was numerically higher inyield. The conclusion was that TJ 1300 is compatible with micro-nutrientapplications and may be a viable tool to increase the yield ofsunflower.

TABLE 11 Effect of TJ1300 Liquid Biological Treatment Plus Dry GranularTJ Micromix on Yield of Nu-sun Sunflower Variety 63M80 Treatment RankLocation Trial Yield Oil Control Hazelton, ND TJ Micro 1709.7 a  44.8 aTJ Micromix Hazelton, ND TJ Micro 1857.3 bc 47.2 b TJ 1300 Hazelton, NDTJ Micro 1734.7ab  45.5 a TJ 1300 + TJ Hazelton, ND MM 1864.7 bc 44.9 aMicromix CV %  7.48  4.67 LSD (0.20) 132.8  1.5 

Sunflower Liquid Chelate Micro-Nutrient Working Example

Materials and Methods: Field trial was conducted using the sunflowervariety Pioneer 63M80 NuSun at 3 locations: Hazelton, N. Dak.; Kensal,N. Dak.; and Selby, S. Dak. The purpose of each trial was to compare thecompatibility and yield benefit of the biocontrol preparation TJ1300 incombination with a liquid chelate micro-nutrient fertilizer vs. anuntreated control. Analyzing yield of sunflower is a function of seedyield in pounds per acre and the amount of oil in the seed which isexpressed as a percentage. The liquid chelate micro-nutrient fertilizeris sold commercially under the Trademark TJ Micromix™. Biocontroltreatments were prepared by adding 1×10⁸ CFU per gram to a wettablepowder (Mycotech, Inc). 25 grams of the wettable powder was then addedto 1.5 quarts of liquid chelate TJ Micromix and the combination appliedin the seed furrow at a rate of 1.5 quarts per acre. The control seedwas Maxim (Maxim is a trademark of Syngenta Crop Protection) treatedwith the biocontrol treatments applied in addition to the Maxim. Theseed was planted at a seeding rate of 22,000 seeds per acre in 30-inchrows in a randomized, replicated block. Each entry was replicated fourtimes. The pathogen levels were natural populations at each location.The entries were as follows:

-   -   Control—no treatment    -   TJ 1300—50/50 combination of B. amyloliquefaciens G1-3 and T.        virens G1-3    -   TJ1300+TJ Micromix—Liquid chelate TJ Micromix+50/50 combination        of B. amyloliquefaciens and T. virens

Result: As shown in Table 12, TJ Micromix liquid and the combination ofTJ Micromix plus TJ 1300 both gave sunflower a significant increase inyield. TJ 1300+TJ Micromix produced an additional numerical increase inyield over the TJ Micromix alone.

Conclusion: TJ 1300+TJ Micromix is a viable means of biocontrol deliveryon sunflower and is a viable means of increasing the seed yield ofsunflower.

TABLE 12 Effect of TJ1300 Biological Liquid Plus Liquid TJ MicromixFertilizer on Yield of Nu-sun Sunflower Variety 63M80 Treatment RatioLocation Trial Yield Oil Control 0/0 Hazelton, Liquid TJ 1709.7 44.8 NDMicro TJ 1300 50/50 Hazelton, Liquid TJ 1765.0 45.5 ND Micro TJ1300 + TJ50/50 Hazelton, Liquid TJ 1992.3 45.9 Micromix ND Micro Control 0/0Kensal, Liquid TJ 2000.3 N/a ND Micro TJ1300 50/50 Kensal, Liquid TJ2159.0 N/a ND Micro TJ1300 + TJ 50/50 Kensal, Liquid TJ 2329.0 N/aMicromix ND Micro Control 0/0 Selby, Liquid TJ 2225.0 43.2 SD Micro TJ1300 50/50 Selby, Liquid TJ 2324.0 44   SD Micro TJ1300 + TJ 50/50Selby, Liquid TJ 2228.5 44   Micromix SD Micro Control  1978.3 a 44 aAverage TJ 1300  2082.8 b   44.75 a TJ 1300 + TJ  2173.3 b   45.5 aMicromix CV %   10.58  4.67 LSD (0.05)  104.1 NS

Soybean Liquid Chelate Micro-Nutrient Fertilizer Working Example

Materials and Methods: A field trial was conducted using the soybeanvariety Pioneer 91B52 a location near Groton, S. Dak. The purpose of thetrial was to compare the compatibility and yield benefit of thebiocontrol preparation TJ1300 in combination with a liquid chelatemicro-nutrient fertilizer vs. the liquid chelate alone vs. an untreatedcontrol. Yield in bushels per acre was used as the measure of thetreatment response. The liquid chelate micro-nutrient fertilizer is soldcommercially under the Trademark TJ Micromix™. Biocontrol treatmentswere prepared by adding 1×10⁸ CFU per gram to a wettable powder(Mycotech, Inc). Twenty-five grams of the wettable powder was then addedto 10 gallons of water and applied in the seed furrow at a rate of 10gallons per acre to establish treatment TJ1300. Twenty-five grams of thewettable powder was added to 1.5 quarts of liquid chelate TJ Micromixand the combination added to water to form a 10 gallon solution andapplied in the seed furrow at a rate of 10 gallons per acre. The seedwas planted at a seeding rate of 175,000 seeds per acre in 30-inch rowsin a randomized, replicated block. Each entry was replicated four times.The pathogen levels were natural populations at the location. Theentries were as follows:

-   -   Control—no treatment    -   TJ 1300—50/50 combination of B. amyloliquefaciens TJ1000 or 1BE        and T. virens G1-3    -   TJ1300+TJ Micromix—Liquid chelate TJ Micromix+50/50 combination        of B. amyloliquefaciens TJ1000 or 1BE and T. virens G1-3

Result: As shown in Table 13, TJ Micromix liquid and the combination ofTJ Micromix plus TJ 1300 both gave soybean a significant increase inyield. TJ 1300+TJ Micromix produced an additional numerical but nonsignificant increase in yield over the TJ Micromix alone.

Conclusion: TJ 1300+TJ Micromix is a viable means of biocontrol deliveron soybean and is a viable means of increasing the yield of soybean.

TABLE 13 Effect of TJ1300 Liquid Biological Treatment Plus Liquid TJMicromix Fertilizer on Yield of Soybean Variety 91B52 Treatment RatioLocation Trial Yield Control 0/0 Groton, SD Liquid TJ 54.2 a Micromix TJ1300 50/50 Groton, SD Liquid TJ 60.8 b Micromix TJ1300 + TJ 50/50Groton, SD Liquid TJ 61.8 b Micromix Micromix CV %  8.92 LSD (0.05) 4.19

Soybean Dry Granule Micro-Nutrient Working Example

Materials and Methods: A field trial was conducted using the soybeanvariety Pioneer 91B52 at a location near Groton, S. Dak. The purpose ofthe trial was to compare the compatibility and yield benefit of thebiocontrol preparation TJ1300 in combination with a dry granulemicro-nutrient fertilizer vs. the micro-nutrient fertilizer alone vs. acontrol with no micro-nutrient fertilizer. Soybean yield in bushels peracre was used to measure the treatment response. The micro-nutrientfertilizer is sold commercially under the Trademark TJ Micromix™.Biocontrol treatments were prepared by adding 1×10⁵ CFU per seed. Theseed was planted at a seeding rate of 175,000 seeds per acre in 30-inchrows in a randomized, replicated block. TJ Micromix™ was applied at arate of 20 pounds per acre. Each entry was replicated four times. Thepathogen levels were natural populations at each location. The entrieswere as follows:

-   -   Control: Maxim    -   TJ Micromix    -   TJ 1300—50/50 combination of B. amyloliquefaciens TJ1000 or 1BE        and T. virens G1-3    -   TJ Micromix+TJ 1300—50/50 combination of B. amyloliquefaciens        TJ1000 or 1BE and T. virens G1-3

Results: As shown in Table 14, in this trial, the Granular TJ Micromixproduced a significant yield increase compared to the control. When theseed-applied biocontrol treatment TJ1300 was applied in combination withthe TJ Micromix, the treatment resulted in a significant increase inyield as compared to the control but not significantly different fromthe TJ Micromix application alone. The yield of the TJ 1300+TJ Micromixwas numerically higher.

Conclusion: TJ 1300 is compatible with micro-nutrient applications andis a viable tool to increase the yield of soybean.

TABLE 14 Effect of TJ1300 Biological Seed Treatment Plus Dry Granule TJMicromix Fertilizer on Yield of Soybean Variety 91B52 Treatment RatioLocation Trial Yield Control 0/0 Groton, SD TJ Micro 54.2 a TJ Micromix0/0 Groton, SD TJ Micro 61.6 b Granule TJ 1300 50/50 Groton, SD TJ Micro62.5 b TJ 1300 + TJ 50/50 Groton, SD TJ Micro 63.3 b Micromix CV %  8.92LSD (0.05)  4.19

Spring Wheat Working Example

Materials and Methods: A field trial was conducted using Russ Springwheat at a location near Kensal, N. Dak. The purpose of the trial was totest biocontrol TJ 1300 on spring wheat against an untreated control.The biocontrol TJ 1300 was applied to the seed so as to achieve anapplication rate of 2.5×10⁹ CFU per acre. The plot was planted in arandomized, replicated block design with each entry replicated threetimes.

Result: As shown in Table 15, the entry TJ 1300 produced anon-significant yield increase. The conclusion was that TJ 1300 may beof value as a seed treatment on wheat.

TABLE 15 Effect of TJ1300 Biological Seed Treatment Plus Fertilizer onRuss Spring Wheat Treatment Ratio Location Trial Yield Control 0/0Kensal, MM 43.8 ND 1300 50/50 Kensal, MM 44.0 ND CV %  7.52 LSD (0.05)NS

Field Peas Working Example

Materials and Methods: A field trial was conducted to compare thebiocontrol treatment TJ 1300 to a non-treated control on field peas. Theseed was treated with the biocontrol agent to achieve an application of2.5×10⁹ CFU per acre. Yield response was measured as pounds per acre.

Results: As shown in Table 16, the entry TJ 1300 produced anon-significant yield increase in field peas. The conclusion was that TJ1300 may be an effective tool to increase the yield of field peas.

TABLE 16 Effect of TJ1300 Biological Seed Treatment on Yield of IntegraField Pea Test Treatment Ratio Rep Location Trial Yield weight Control0/0 Ave of 3 Carrington, Pea 3590.0 62.9 ND 1300 50/50 Ave of 3Carrington, Pea 3613.0 63.5 ND CV % 7 0.5 LSD (0.05) ns Ns

Increased Manganese Uptake Working Example

A surprising aspect of the subject invention is that plants that growfrom seeds treated with the disclosed combination experience increaseduptake of manganese. The protective nature of increased manganese uptakeis documented in Project S-269: Biological Control and Management ofSoilborne Plant Pathogens for Sustainable Crop Production, 5^(th)International Conference on the Biogeochemistry of Trace Elements. Jul.11-15 1999. Vienna, Austria, p. 1086-1087. Dr. Don Huber of PurdueUniversity has documented the connection between an imbalance in theratio of nitrogen to manganese and the incidence of stalk rot in corn.(Huber D. 2000. “Hidden Hunger” threatens many crops. Purdue News.Online at WWW URL purdue.edu/UNS/html4ever/0012.Huber.deficiency.html ornews.uns.purdue.edu/UNS/html4ever/0012.Huber.deficiency.html

The disclosed combination of Trichoderma virens and Bacillusamyloliquefaciens for the purpose of plant pathogen control andincreased plant yield thus has unexpected characteristics. The first isthe fact that the combination produces an increase in yield, not justplant protection from the pathogen. Plant tissue analysis from testplots presented in Tables 17 and 18 below show an unexpected trendtoward higher nutrient intake of a nutrient, manganese.

The treatments that produced the surprising results shown in Table 17are defined as follows:

-   -   bs-unt-bt=Brookings, S. Dak. location-no treatment on the        seed-Bt variety of corn    -   bs-max-bt=Brookings, S. Dak. location-chemical fungicide Maxim        on the seed-Bt variety of corn    -   bs-1000-bt=Brookings, S. Dak. location-Bacillus        amyloliquefaciens TJ 1000 on the seed-Bt variety    -   bs-0300-bt=Brookings, S. Dak. location-Trichoderma virens G1-3        on the seed-Bt variety of corn    -   bs-1300-bt=Brookings, S. Dak. location-B. amyloliquefaciens TJ        1000 and T. virens G1-3 (1 to 1 ratio) on the seed-Bt variety of        corn    -   bs-1310-bt=Brookings, S. Dak. location-B. amyloliquefaciens TJ        1000 and T. virens G1-3 (7 to 3 ratio) on the seed-Bt variety of        corn    -   bs-66/300-bt=Brookings, S. Dak. location-B. lentimorbus and T.        virens G1-3 (1 to 1 ratio) on the seed-Bt variety of corn        The term “Bt” is defined as: A corn hybrid that has been        genetically modified by the insertion of a gene from the        bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis. The inserted gene produces a        protein that will kill European corn bore that feed on the plant        tissue.

TABLE 17 Effects of Treatments on Plant Mineral Content on Bt Variety ofCorn at Brookings SD Location Concentration Treatment N P K Mg Ca S NaFe Mn B Cu Zn bs-unt-bt 3.43 0.39 1.65 0.66 1.11 0.29 0.003 110 105 1718 32 bs-max-bt 3.42 0.43 2.10 0.56 0.91 0.27 0.005 117 91 14 18 29bs-1000-bt 3.44 0.40 2.10 0.52 0.86 0.24 0.004 96 91 12 13 25 bs-300-bt3.38 0.41 2.02 0.58 1.00 0.27 0.004 97 98 12 14 25 bs-1300-bt 3.36 0.431.89 0.66 1.11 0.27 0.004 118 134 13 16 28 bs-1310-bt 3.45 0.41 1.690.59 1.02 0.25 0.004 182 106 16 15 27 bs-66/300-bt 3.30 0.42 2.19 0.581.04 0.27 0.004 112 107 16 15 29

The treatments that produced the surprising results in Table 18 aredefined as follows:

-   -   bl-unt-non=Brookings location-no treatment on the seed-non Bt        variety of corn (non Bt can also be described as: non        genetically modified)    -   bl-max-non=Brookings location-chemical fungicide Maxim on the        seed-non Bt variety of corn    -   bl-1000-non=Brookings location-Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TJ        1000 on the seed-non Bt variety of corn    -   bl-300-non=Brookings location-Trichoderma virens G1-3 on the        seed-non Bt variety of corn    -   bl-1300-non=Brookings location-B. amyloliquefaciens TJ 1000        and T. virens G1-3 on the seed (1 to 1 ratio)-non Bt variety of        corn (one of the claimed combinations)    -   bl-1310-non=Brookings location-B. amyloliquefaciens TJ 1000        and T. virens G1-3 on the seed (7 to 3 ratio)-non Bt variety of        corn    -   bl-66/300-non=Brookings location-B. lentimorbus and T. virens        G1-3 on the seed (1 to 1 ratio)-non Bt variety of corn

TABLE 18 Effects of Treatments on Plant Mineral Content on Non BtVariety of Corn at Brookings SD Location Concentration Treatment N P KMg Ca S Na Fe Mn B Cu Zn bl-unt-non 3.33 0.39 1.93 0.55 0.85 0.21 0.00576 103 12 13 24 bl-max-non 3.28 0.48 2.39 0.62 0.92 0.24 0.007 101 11612 15 28 bl-1000-non 3.14 0.51 2.39 0.64 0.95 0.25 0.008 103 115 12 1526 bl-300-non 3.19 0.48 2.21 0.65 0.93 0.24 0.009 95 99 15 15 24bl-1300-non 3.38 0.48 2.43 0.60 0.96 0.25 0.006 111 137 13 15 26bl-1310-non 3.21 0.46 2.18 0.68 1.03 0.26 0.007 108 117 18 16 25bl-66/300-non 3.23 0.43 1.96 0.61 0.86 0.23 0.009 93 95 11 13 25

Manganese is known in the art as a disease prevention micronutrient.However, if manganese is added to fertilizer and applied to corn, theexpected result is a decrease in yield. The significance of the subjectinvention is that it increases the manganese content of the corn plantwhile increasing yield. Furthermore, the increase in the manganesecontent in the plant does not occur with either organism alone or whenthe Trichoderma virens is combined with a different organism (e.g.,treatment 66/300) or the formulation of the mixture is altered (e.g.,treatment 1310). This increase in manganese content of the plant tissueis documented in tables 1 and 2 above on Bt (genetically modified) cornand conventional (non-genetically modified) corn. Tissue analysis of thecorn in the charts above was done after the silking and pollination ofthe corn, documenting that this increase in manganese continues into thelate stages of growth. Late season intake is significant because thelack of manganese in the plant is implicated in mid to late season stalkrot.

Data from disclosed combinations of the Trichoderma with other bacteriastrains show that other combinations tested did not increase themanganese levels to the level of the present invention. It is surprisingthat neither organism alone increased the manganese level in the tissueof the corn. Only seed treatment with the claimed combination of the T.virens G1-3 fungus and the B. amyloliquefaciens bacterium increase themanganese level in the tissue of both the Bt and non-Bt corn.

Consistency of Increased Yield Working Example

Another surprising aspect of the subject invention is unexpectedconsistency of increased yield: (1) consistency compared to eitherorganism alone, in that our field trial results show the claimedcombination to be significantly higher in yield over the control in bothindividual locations and multiple location and either organism alone didnot produce a significant yield response over the control; (2)consistency across geography, in that the field trial results show thecombination to be effective in a number of geographies from North Dakotato Arizona; and (3) consistency of higher yield in a more than one crop,in that the field data collected on corn, soybeans, sunflowers and wheatshow significant increased in yield with the claimed combination. Fieldtrial results are presented in the above working examples. The resultsof those field trials produced a surprisingly consistent yield response,and consistency is what is commercially important.

The disclosed combination of microorganisms gives more consistent yieldresponse than either microorganism alone. The claimed combinationproduces a consistent increase in yield over a range of conditions whilealone the microorganisms do not. The data in the patent application showthis, but the data presented in Table 19 below that was produced at theexperiment station in Carrington, N. Dak. show this effect.

TABLE 19 Consistency of Yield Response 2000 2001 2002 3 YR Control 96.9146 87.7 110.2 Bacillus 93.3 150 94.9 112.7 T. virens 94.7 162 88.5115.1 QuickRoot 105.6 156 90.4 117.3 1310 89.5 151 88.5 109.6In Table 19, the treatments are defined as follows:

-   -   Control=chemical fungicide Maxim    -   Bacillus=B. amyloliquefaciens alone    -   T. virens=T. virens G1-3 alone    -   Quick Root=QuickRoots™ is the product name of the claimed        combination of T. virens G1-3 and B. amyloliquefaciens    -   1310=T. virens G1-3 and B. amyloliquefaciens at a 7:3 ratio.

The column headings in Table 19 denote the year of the trial with “3YR”indicating the average treatment response for the combined three years.Note that in 2000, seed treatment with the individual organisms alone(the individual components of the claimed combination) produced yieldsthat were less than control. In 2001, seed treatment with individualorganisms both produced yields that were greater than the control as didthe claimed combination. In 2002, seed treatment with the individualorganisms produced yields that were greater than the control and againthe claimed combination increased yield as well.

The North Dakota data presented in Table 19 document consistency in twoof ways. First, in reviewing year 2000 data, neither the Bacillusbacteria (1000) seed treatment nor the Trichoderma fungi (G1-3) seedtreatment by themselves produced a positive yield response; but theclaimed combination did produce a positive response. Two negativeresponses added together do not produce a positive. Synergism is whatcreates positive response from two negatives. In years 2001 and 2002,the performance of treatments with the bacteria and the fungi tradedplaces as the top seat while the performance of the claimed combinationperformed between treatments with the individual components. Overall,the consistent performance of the claimed combination gave the largestyield advantage because of consistency of response. These data are fromthe same location; only weather changed from season to season. TheBacillus alone seed treatment did not perform well at all in the averageand the Trichoderma alone seed treatment only averaged well because ithad one great performance out of three.

Presented in Table 20 is a compilation of data from three years of fieldtrials, 63 entries, at 12 locations. The test plots were located atNorth Dakota State University, University of Arizona, and Colorado StateUniversity. This compilation clearly shows the 50/50 combination of B.amyloliquefaciens+T. virens (one of the claimed combinations) produces asignificantly higher yield than the control and than either organismalone. It should be noted that while the individual components show anumerical increase in yield, it is a non-significant increase at a 0.05rejection level while the claimed combination is significant at a 0.05rejection level.

TABLE 20 QuickRoots ™ Effect on Corn Yield in Replicated Field Trials. 3Year Average Evaluating QuickRoots ™/Maxim vs. Maxim Treatment MoistureYield Pricing Advantage Control 17.5 154.77 $300.25 B. amyloliquefaciens17.5 158.7 $307.88 $7.62 alone T. virens alone 17.4 158.81 $308.57 $8.31B. amyloliquefaciens + 17.5 161.62 $313.54 $13.29 T. virens combined50/50 Mean 17.5 158.88 $307.56 CV (%) 23.3 21.7 LSD (0.05)      .19(NS)5.05

Corn Variety NK 2555 Treatment with Other Strains Working Example

Materials and Methods: For these studies Trichoderma virens G1-21 (anisolate that is commercially available from Thermo Trilogy Corporation)and Bacillus subtilis var. amyloliquefaciens FZB24 (a strain that iscommercially available from Earth Biosciences, Inc.) were selected. Theplot entries (treatments) were as follows:

-   -   Treatment A—Control (MAXIM, industry standard fungicide seed        treatment)    -   Treatment B—T. virens G1-3+Bacillus subtilis var.        amyloliquefaciens TJ 1000    -   Treatment C—T. virens G1-21+Bacillus subtilis var.        amyloliquefaciens TJ 1000    -   Treatment D—T. virens G1-3+Bacillus subtilis var.        amyloliquefaciens FZB24    -   Treatment E—T. virens G1-21+Bacillus subtilis var.        amyloliquefaciens FZB24

The treatments were applied to corn seed (NK 2555) at equal rates of atleast 1×10⁶ fungal spores and 1×10⁶ bacterial spores per seed. Previousfield trials had confirmed that Treatment B produced an unexpectedsynergism that consistently and significantly increased yield in plants.The follow up field trials were conducted with the same test protocol asthe initial trials and set up as a randomized—replicated block.

Results: Presented in Table 21 are the results of this trial. In thistrial, all of the T. virens—Bacillus subtilis var. amyloliquefacienscombinations produced a numerically positive response. These resultsgave strong indication that combinations of T. virens and Bacillussubtilis var. amyloliquefaciens produce a synergistic effect that issimilar to that discovered when Trichoderma virens G1-3 and Bacillussubtilis var. amyloliquefaciens TJ 1000 were combined and placed in thevicinity of the seed.

TABLE 21 Treatment of Corn Variety NK 2555 with Other Strains andIsolates Treatment Test Weight Moisture Yield A 55.9 21.8 173.6 B 56.920.4 177.2 C 56.9 20.3 183.2 D 56.3 20.9 181.1 E 55.7 20.6 182.2 C.V.5.4 LSD .05 16.3

Corn Variety NK 3030 Bt Treatment with Other Strains Working Example

This trial compared the treatment of Trichoderma virens G1-3 andBacillus subtilis var. amyloliquefaciens TJ 1000 vs. Trichoderma virensGL-21 and Bacillus subtilis var. amyloliquefaciens FZB24 vs. a control(Maxim, industry standard fungicide seed treatment).

Plot entries were as follows:

-   -   Treatment A—Control (MAXIM, industry standard fungicide seed        treatment)    -   Treatment B—T. virens G1-3 and Bacillus subtilis var.        amyloliquefaciens TJ 1000    -   Treatment C—T. virens G1-21 and Bacillus subtilis var.        amyloliquefaciens FZB24

Materials and Methods: Corn seed (NK 3030 Bt) was treated at the samerate of Bacillus and Trichoderma as in the previous working example andthe seed was planted in a randomized—replicated block design.

Results: Presented in Table 22 are the results of this trial. In thistrial, the yields of Treatments B and C were significantly greater thanthe control. Treatment B was numerically superior to Treatment C but notsignificantly. The results of this trial also indicated that othercombinations of T. virens and Bacillus subtilis var. amyloliquefacienscan be expected to show a synergistic response.

TABLE 22 Treatment of Corn Variety NK 3030 Bt with Other Strains andIsolates Treatment Test Weight Moisture Yield A 52.5 21.5 172.1 B 54.621.5 210.0 C 55.3 21.6 192.8 C.V. 8.09 LSD .05 19.43

Combined Trials with Other Strains Working Example

This example compared the same treatments as the previous workingexample, which were as follows: Trichoderma virens G1-3 and Bacillussubtilis var. amyloliquefaciens TJ 1000 vs. Trichoderma virens G1-21 andBacillus subtilis var. amyloliquefaciens FZB24 vs. a control (MAXIM).This trial differed from the previous working example because itcompared 43 entries from 12 locations and 6 different corn hybrids. Plotentries were as follows:

-   -   Treatment A—Control (MAXIM, industry standard fungicide seed        treatment)    -   Treatment B—T. virens G1-3 and Bacillus subtilis var.        amyloliquefaciens TJ 1000    -   Treatment C—T. virens G1-21 and Bacillus subtilis var.        amyloliquefaciens FZB24

Materials and Methods: Seed was treated the same as in the previous twotrials and each location was randomized and replicated.

Results: Presented in Table 23 are the results of this trial. This trialused a larger data set and revealed that the yield increase with theoriginally discovered combination of Treatment B (Trichoderma virensG1-3 and Bacillus subtilis var. amyloliquefaciens TJ 1000) issignificantly greater than the control while the yield increase withTreatment C (T. virens G1-21 and Bacillus subtilis var.amyloliquefaciens FZB24) is not significantly greater, even at the 0.20rejection level. However, Treatment C did not show a numerical yielddecrease nor did it show a significant yield decrease compared to thecontrol. A yield decrease compared to the control would most likely haveoccurred if the microorganisms in the combination were antagonistic toeach other. This result clearly showed that the original discovery(Treatment B) was superior to the Treatment C. The result also showedthat Treatment C is a potentially beneficial treatment.

TABLE 23 Treatment with Other Strains and Isolates Treatment Yield inBushels per Acre A 153.84 B 160.63 C 156.36 C.V. 3.42 LSD .20 4.4

Many variations of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art.Some variations include non-competitive culturing of the biocontrolorganisms. Other variations call for competitive culturing. All suchvariations are intended to be within the scope and spirit of theinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A seed assembly made by combining a plant seedwith a spore-forming Bacillus amyloliquefaciens bacterial antagonist anda spore-forming Trichoderma virens fungal antagonist to produce acombination; wherein the spore-forming Trichoderma virens fungalantagonist does not produce a substance that inhibits the growth of thespore-forming Bacillus amyloliquefaciens bacterial antagonist and thespore-forming Bacillus amyloliquefaciens bacterial antagonist does notproduce a substance that inhibits the growth of the spore-formingTrichoderma virens fungal antagonist; and wherein said spore formingantagonists are applied to said plant seed at a rate of no less thanabout 10,000 spore counts per plant seed; wherein said combinationsuppresses growth of pathogenic plant fungi; and wherein the compositionis effective at increasing the manganese content of a plant grown fromthe plant seed.
 2. A seed assembly made by combining a plant seed with aTrichoderma virens fungal antagonist and a Bacillus amyloliquefaciensbacterial antagonist to produce a combination; wherein said combinationsuppresses growth of pathogenic plant fungi.
 3. The seed assembly ofclaim 2 wherein the seed is a seed of a plant selected from the groupconsisting of: a monocot, and a dicot.
 4. The seed assembly of claim 2wherein the seed is a seed of a plant selected from the group consistingof: a legume plant, and a non-legume plant.
 5. The seed assembly ofclaim 2 wherein the seed is a seed of a plant selected from the groupconsisting of: corn, sunflower, soybean, field pea, and wheat.
 6. Acomposition for application to a seed, said composition being made bycombining: a spore-forming fungal isolate of Trichoderma virens; and aspore-forming bacterial strain of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens; whereinthe spore-forming fungal isolate is incapable of producing a substancethat substantially inhibits the growth of the spore-forming bacterialstrain and the spore-forming bacterial strain is incapable of producinga substance that substantially inhibits the growth of the spore-formingfungal isolate; and wherein the composition is effective at increasingthe yield of a plant grown from the seed to which the composition hasbeen applied.
 7. The composition of claim 6 wherein the composition iseffective at increasing the manganese content of the plant.
 8. A seedassembly made by combining a plant seed with a spore-forming bacterialantagonist and a spore-forming fungal antagonist to produce acombination; wherein the spore-forming fungal antagonist does notproduce a substance that inhibits the growth of the spore-formingbacterial antagonist and the spore-forming bacterial antagonist does notproduce a substance that inhibits the growth of the spore-forming fungalantagonist; and wherein said combination suppresses growth of pathogenicplant fungi.
 9. The seed assembly of claim 8 wherein the seed is a seedof a plant selected from the group consisting of: a monocot, and adicot.
 10. The seed assembly of claim 8 wherein the seed is a seed of aplant selected from the group consisting of: a legume plant, and anon-legume plant.
 11. The seed assembly of claim 8 wherein the seed is aseed of a plant selected from the group consisting of: corn, sunflower,soybean, field pea, and wheat.
 12. A seed assembly made by combining aplant seed with a spore-forming bacterial antagonist and a spore-formingfungal antagonist to produce a combination: wherein the spore-formingfungal antagonist is free of a substance that inhibits the growth of thespore-forming bacterial antagonist and the spore-forming bacterialantagonist is free of produce a substance that inhibits the growth ofthe spore-forming fungal antagonist; and wherein said combinationsuppresses growth of pathogenic plant fungi.
 13. The seed assembly ofclaim 12 wherein said spore forming antagonists are applied to saidplant seed at a rate of no less than about 10,000 spore counts per plantseed.
 14. The seed assembly of claim 12 wherein said spore formingantagonists are applied to said plant seed at a rate of at least 100,000spore counts per plant seed.
 15. The seed assembly of claim 12 furthercomprising: a wettable clay based powder, a dextrose granule or powders,a sucrose granules or powder or a maltose-dextrose granule or powder.16. The seed assembly of claim 12 further comprising: a carrier that isnon-phytotoxic, non-bacteriostatic, and non-bactericidal.
 17. The seedassembly of claim 12 wherein said plant seed selected from the groupconsisting of a corn seed, a sunflower seed, a soybean seed, a field peaseed, a wheat seed, a cotton seed, a barley seed, an oat seed, a milletseed, and an alfalfa seed.